USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material. Volume VI > Part 28
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
Major Charles P. and llortense Darling (Beaumont) Elliott are the parents of eight children: 1. Margaret Rutter, born October 7, 1887, of Wilkes-Barre. 2. Stephen, of whom further. 3. Charlotte Stuart, born September 19, 1891, now the wife of William L .. Lance, of Wilkes-Barre. 4. Eugene Beaumont, born August 29, 1893, who married T. Linthicurn, of Los Angeles, California. 5. Isabel Stuart, born August 1, 1895, the wife of Rayburn L. Watres, of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6. Na- thaniel Rutter, born July 15, 1897. 7. Charles Pinckney, Jr., born September 22, 1901. 8. John Beaumont Colt, born January 2, 1904, now a member of the Engineers Corps of the United States Army.
Stephen Elliott, the second of the family, was born August 23, 1889, at Fort Myer, Virginia, a son of Charles Pinckney and Hor- tense Darling (Beaumont) Elliott. He at- tended as a boy the public schools, then went to the Harry Hillman Academy in Wilkes- Barre, and to the Wyoming Seminary, in Kingston, Pennsylvania; spent one year at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; later studying civil engineering at Lehigh University. He, like his ancestors on the different sides of his family, has had a notable career in the military service, in as- sociation with the National Guard of Penn- sylvania. He spent much time in his earlier years in a number of army forts, including Fort Myer, Virginia; San Antonio, Texas; Walla Walla, Washington, and San Diego, California. After he had attended the public schools in these many different army centers he came to Wilkes-Barre in 1902. He enlisted in the 9th Infantry, 3d Brigade, Company A, Pennsylvania National Guard, June 11, 1911. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1913 and a first lieutenant in 1915. In 1916 the 9th Infantry was reorganized as the 3d Pennsylvania Field Artillery and as such served on the Mexican border from Septem- ber, 1916, to March, 1918, a captaincy having been given Lieutenant Elliott in 1916. The regiment was called for service in the World War July 15, 1917, and was dispatched over- seas with the American Expeditonary Forces on May 18, 1918. It was a unit of the 53d Field Artillery Brigade and was trained at Camp De Meucon, France. It participated in the Oise-Aisne offensive, Champagne-Lor- raine and Meuse-Argonne as a part of the 28th Division. Captain Elliott also was en- gaged with his regiment in Belgium in the Ypres-Lys offensive, being attached to the 91st Division. In March, 1919, he was com- missioned a major and returned to the United States with his command, arriving at Hobo- ken, New Jersey, May 19, 1919. In the follow- ing November he was again promoted, this time to lieutenant-colonel of the 109th Field Artillery, Pennsylvania National Guard, re- ceiving the further honor of a colonelcy in January, 1927.
Stephen Elliott married, September 16, 1916, Helen Romaine Dougherty, daughter of the late General Charles Bowman and Anna (Posten) Dougherty, of Wilkes-Barre. Mrs. Elliott died September 1, 1926.
J. RUSSELL TAYLOR-Guardianship of the peace of the city of Wilkes-Barre is safely vested in the official authority of J. Russell Taylor, who held the highly responsible position of acting chief of police. His ad- vance was from the place of inspector of police, which he filled with the efficiency significant of unusual capacity for detective work as his specialty, and for police duty generally. Chief Taylor is a naval veteran of the World War and enjoys high standing among the citizenry of Wilkes-Barre.
470
J. Russell Taylor was born in Wilkes- Barre, January 25, 1892, the son of Harry W. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Taylor, both parents living. His father, a native of Wilkes-Barre, was superintendent of the Bertel Tin factory in this city for about thirty-five years, and through that impor- tant connection, he became very well and favorably known to the trade. More recently he has been associated with the American Automobile Accessories Company at Wilkes- Barre.
J. Russell Taylor, Wilkes-Barre's Chief of Police, received his education in the grade and high schools of his native city, and started early to make his own way in the world, which he has been achieving ever since, as most every Wilkes-Barre man will say. He thought first to make a career in the silent drama, and he did make an essay in that direction, when he accepted the position of assistant director of the Black Diamond Studios, moving picture producers at Wilkes- Barre. He was filling that berth, after one and one-half years of commendable work, when the World War intervened. He enlisted for service in the Navy and was assigned to the Naval Intelligence Department and was attached to the Third and Fifth Naval Dis- tricts. With his discharge, on December 18, 1918, there accompanied it the thanks of his superior officers for his service intelligently and bravely performed. In 1919 he made a near approach to the drama, for a second time, on this occasion filling the position of employment clerk during the building of the Capitol Theater in Wilkes-Barre.
From the viewpoint of public service, the chief turning point in Chief Taylor's career came with his appointment to the office of Inspector of Police of Wilkes-Barre in Janu- ary, 1920. He developed in a remarkable way what had been latent ability for detective work, and he became extremely successful in tracking violators of the law, among them being a number of desperate criminals, and bringing them into court. He remained a strong right arm and highly efficient officer during the tenure of his inspectorship, which ended September 1, 1928, with his elevation to the position of Acting Chief of Police. Other things being equal, it was to be expected that he would, when the time arrived, be advanced to the full chieftaincy -the appointment of Chief of Police, in December, 1928. He was the logical man for the office, and it seemed to be the con- sensus of the people's opinion that the peace and safety of the city could not be more faithfully preserved than through his head- ship of the Police Department.
Chief Taylor takes an active interest in things progressive along civic lines and with community advance movements in general in Wilkes-Barre. He is allied with the Republican party, affiliates with the Amer- ican Legion, by reason of his war service; with Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons; the thirty-second degree in Keystone Consistory; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He also belongs to Irem Temple Country Club and is a mem- ber of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and the International Associa- tion of Chiefs of Police. His religious con- nection is with St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church at Wilkes-Barre.
J. Russell Taylor married, July 29, 1922, Mande Cook, of Ashley, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Thomas E. and Frances (Ben-
nett) Cook, and one son, Russell H., has been born to this union.
JOHN A. HOURIGAN-One of the best- known newspaper men in the Wyoming Val- ley is John A. Hourigan, owner and publisher of the "Evening News," of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Hourigan has been identified with the print- ing and the publishing business throughout his active career, and has been the owner and publisher of the "Evening News" since 1909.
John and Mary Hourigan, grandparents of Mr. Hourigan, were natives of Ireland, who came to this country in 1845 or 1846, and settled in Wyalusing, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, where they lived and died. They brought with them to this country a small boy, Patrick, who grew up in Bradford County, and who, as a young man, came to Wilkes-Barre in 1862 and enlisted as a private in Company I, 52d Pennsylvania In- fantry. Patrick Hourigan fought in many of the hardest fought battles of the Civil War, was captured, and for eight months held in the famous Andersonville Prison. He was mustered out of service in April, 1865, after which he returned to Wilkes-Barre and mar- ried Bridget Degnan of Wilkes-Barre. That was in 1869, and they became the parents of the following children: 1. Mary, who died at the age of thirty-eight years. 2. John A., of further mention. 3. Henry, died in childhood. 4. James, died in childhood. 5. Andrew, a short review of whom accompanies this. 6. Joseph B., who is salesmanager of the Penn Tobacco Company of Wilkes-Barre. 7. Wil- liam, who holds a position with the Wilkes- Barre "Evening News." 8. Sarah, who is a teacher in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre. 9. Rev. Frank J. (twin), who is a priest in St. Columbus Church, in Newark, New Jersey. 10. Frederick (twin of Frank J.), died in childhood. 11. Anna, who is also a teacher in the public schools of Wilkes-Barre. Patrick Honrigan, father of this family, died in Wilkes-Barre, August 26, 1911, and is sur- vived by his widow, who is now (1927) eighty years of age.
John A. Hourigan, son of Patrick and Bridget (Degnan) Hourigan, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1872, and received his education in the public schools of his birthplace. When he was four- teen years of age he left school and began his long connection with the printing and publishing business by securing a position as a "printer's devil," in the composing room of the Wilkes-Barre "Record." Here he served an apprenticeship of four years and then for twenty years followed the trade of the printer in the same connection. At the end of that time he was made foreman of the composing department, and later was made manager of the circulation department. On June 18, 1909, he purchased the Wilkes-Barre "Morning News," which in a short time he changed to the Wilkes-Barre "Evening News." When he purchased the news sheet it was located in the rear of No. 5 North Main Street, and there it remained until 1923, when Mr. Hourigan bought the valuable property located at Nos. 30-32 North Main Street. Here he made extensive improve- ments, installed the most modern machinery, and in every way equipped the place for the publication of a first class news sheet. That he has succeeded in making his publication one of the best of its kind in the city is evidenced by the fact that, though the cir- culation was very small at the time he bought the paper, it has now reached a cir- culation of more than fifteen thousand. Mr. Hourigan staunchly supports the principles
Claudio
-
471
and the candidates of the Republican party. He takes an active interest in local public affairs, was a member of the City Planning Commission at the time John V. Kosek was mayor, and later was appointed a member of the school board. In 1921 he was elected a member of the school board for a term of six years and served as president of the board in 1926. He is a member of the board of directors of the Wyoming Valley Trust Company of Wilkes-Barre, and for many years has been active in various enterprises planned for the advancement of the interests of the city. His religious affiliation is with St. John's Roman Catholic Church.
John A. Hourigan was married to Caroline G. Henderson, of Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1905. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Goble) Hender- son, of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Hourigan are the parents of five children: Mary E., died in childhood; Carolyn G., John A., Jr., Ruth A., and Jane Mary.
ANDREW HOURIGAN was born in Wilkes- Barre, March 15, 1881. He graduated from the Wilkes-Barre High School, and then read law in the office of Hon. Henry W. Palmer. He was admitted to Luzerne County Bar June 27, 1903. He filled various clerkships in the county of Luzerne; served as assistant dis- triet attorney of Luzerne County; assistant United States Attorney Middle District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Hourigan is director of Miners' Bank, Wilkes-Barre; American Bank and Trust Company, of Hazleton; Capital Theatre Company, West Side Amusement Company, Columbia Silk Throwing Company, Smith and Clark Company; and is president of Mercy Hospital.
Andrew Hourigan married, November 20, 1913, Marie Quinn, of Johnston, Pennsylvania, and six children were born of this union. Mr. Hourigan and his family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
WALTER BANKER-For several genera- tions the surname Banker has stood for all that is honorable in Wilkes-Barre. Its mem- bers have contributed vigorously and with intelligence to community development, and have held prominent place among the sub- stantial citizenry. Walter Banker, owner and proprietor of Banker's Drug Store, at No. 57 West Market Street, is a son of Charles H. Banker, who was a son of Phillip Banker.
Phillip Banker was a pioneer settler of Wilkes-Barre, and here in the early days en- gaged in trade as contractor and builder in stone. He was earnest and industrious, of a fine intelligence, and enjoyed a well-earned prosperity. Among the buildings for which he is remembered are the Music Hall and the old Young Men's Christian Association, which, together with many others that have for the most part been destroyed by time, comprised his chief contributions to the advancement of this community, thus perpetuating his mem- ory. He married and had children, and of these children was Charles H. Banker.
Charles H. Banker, like his father, was of an earnest temperament, industrious and in- telligent. He died in December, 1927, at the age of sixty-eight years, closing a life re- plete of useful effort. He married Emma Campsen, and to this union were born eight children: Walter, of whom directly; Minnie, unmarried; Martha Elizabeth, married Nor- man Hoover, of Wilkes-Barre; Frances, mar- ried Frederick Lamoreau, of Forty Fort, Lu- zerne County; C. E., president of the Banker Coal Co., of Wilkes-Barre; Elsie A., married
A. E. Morgan, of Wilkes-Barre; George H., of Wilkes-Barre, and Clara E., unmarried.
Walter Banker, eldest child and son of Charles H. and Emma (Campsen) Banker, grandson of Phillip Banker, was born In Wilkes-Barre on March 13, 1881. Here he attended the public schools and, while pur- suing his studies, at the age of thirteen years, went to work in Green's Drug Store, at No. 57 West Market Street. At this address, now the location of his own establishment, he has been engaged in the drug business during the years succeeding, until the present time (1929). The association begun in 1894 was most instructive to Mr. Banker, in phar- macy, and three years later, when he was sixteen years of age, he was able to pass the State examinations in that subject, en- titling him as registered pharmacist to fill prescriptions anywhere in the State. He con- tinued faithfully as clerk for Mr. Green until 1921; meanwhile he had accumulated a capi- tal both in money and good will; a large share of the clientele patronizing Green's Drug Store was dependable solely upon the presence of Mr. Banker, whose personality was and is most pleasing and friendly, and whose ability from the first has been unques- tioned. In 1921 he purchased the pharmacy, and the business has been even more flour- ishing than theretofore.
Politically, fraternally and in religion Mr. Banker is active; his interests are in no wise narrow, but broad indeed. He is a Democrat, loyal to the principles of government upheld by that party, and holder of a considerable influence in local Democratic circles, which influence he exercises quietly, and to good effect, always in the welfare of the commu- nity. He is a communicant of Trinity Luth- eran Church, member of the church council and superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Banker is a member of the State Luther League and of the National Luther League, and of the latter has served on the Executive Committee of the United States; and was a member and chairman of the Ministerial Re- lief and Pensions Board for the Pennsylvania Synod of the church. Toward charitable and kindred causes of a worthy character he is ever sympathetic, and gives liberally and readily, regardless of considerations of race or creed, in a spirit truly humanitarian. He is a member of the Wilkes-Barre-Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Wilkes- Barre Kiwanis Club. He has been president of the Luzerne County Pharmaceutical Asso- ciation for the past fourteen years. During the World War he served in various capaci- ties on the board and committees in charge of the prosecution of war work from within this country, and participated actively in the several Liberty Loan campaigns.
Walter Banker was united in marriage with Edna Seward, native of Luzerne County, born October 23, 1906, a daughter of Wynn and Jessie (McCulloch) Seward. This union has been blessed with three children: 1. Eliza- beth Martha, who married Richard C. Sickler. 2. Marjorie Jean, who resides at home. 3. Phillip Walter, also residing at home. The family resides at No. 382 Wright Street, Kingston.
CLAUDE P. SMITH-Representing the third successive generation in the ownership and management of what is now the largest dry cleaning and dyeing establishment in Wilkes-Barre and one of the largest under- takings of this type in Pennsylvania, Mr. Smith has been actively connected with this business since 1921. Founded by his grand-
ยท
472
father, George Smith, the business has enjoyed a constant growth, and much of its success in recent years has been the result of the exceptional business ability of C. P. Smith and of his progressiveness and energy. Though one of the younger of Wilkes-Barre's business men, he is one of the most substan- tial and in every other way, too, he is a very useful and very popular member of the community.
Claude P. Smith was born in Wilkes-Barre, March 4, 1881, a son of the late Oscar and Anna (Tubbs) Smith. His father, who was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1856 and who died there, June 8, 1921, was for many years active in the management of the Oscar Smith Carpet Company and the Sanitary Cleaning & Dyeing Company, both of Wilkes-Barre. He was also very active in civic affairs, serving for a number of years on the Wilkes-Barre City Council and being, at three different oc- casions a candidate for mayor. Mr. Smith's mother, who died in Wilkes-Barre in April, 1920, was born at Cambra, Luzerne County, and was a member of one of that county's old families.
Claude P. Smith was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native city and at Wyoming Seminary and then went to work for one year in the Isaac Long Department Store as a clerk. Next he went to Florida, where he remained for ten years, engaging in the laundry business and becoming president and general manager of the E. S. Paine Laundry Company of Jacksonville, Florida. In 1921, after his father's death, he returned to Wilkes-Barre and became a partner of his brother, G. Earl Smith, in the cleaning and dyeing concerns founded by his grandfather some eighty years ago. Since then he has been active in their management and, to- gether with his brother, G. Earl Smith, has greatly expanded them. Mr. Smith and his brother, in 1928, also controlled the Bornot Company, cleaners and dyers of Philadelphia, one of the oldest and largest concerns of its type in the United States, of which G. Earl Smith is chairman of the board of directors. His religious affiliations are with the Prot- estant Episcopal Church, and more particu- larly with St. Stephen's Church of Wilkes- Barre. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jacksonville, Florida; Jacksonville Consis- tory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Irem Temple, of Wilkes-Barre, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Smith married, September 28, 1904, Gertrude A. Morgan, a daughter of Dr. Aston H. and Helen (Sharp) Morgan, of Wilkes- Barre. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one daughter, Helen M. Smith, born in 1906, who was a graduate of Beaver College, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. She married Joseph Fuller Collingwood of Philadelphia.
The Oscar Smith Carpet Company, of which Mr. Smith is now joint owner with his brother, was established in 1848 by their grandfather, Captain John Smith, and orig- inally carried on exclusively the cleaning of carpets and upholstery. In 1870 the busi- ness was taken over by the son of the founder, the late Oscar Smith, father of Claude P. Smith. In 1909 the latter, together with one of his sons, G. Earl Smith, estab- lished a new branch of the business, devoted to dry cleaning and dyeing and known as the Sanitary Cleaning & Dyeing Company. On the death of Mr. Oscar Smith, in 1921, Claude P. Smith became a partner of his brother and this partnership has continued since then. In the beginning the business was located in a small building on South
State Street and only three people were employed. In 1912 an addition was built and in 1915 the steady growth of the busi- ness required larger quarters and a new building was erected at that time between State and Washington streets. Some twenty people were required at that period in the business' history to care for its constantly growing trade. Five years later, in 1920, still another addition became necessary and after its completion the working force was in- creased to thirty people. Once more, in 1924, the expansion of the business required new and larger quarters, and it was then that its present headquarters were erected, a brick, concrete and steel building running the full length from Washington Street to State Street. It contains an attractive mod- ern show room, spacious cold storage vaults for furs and up-to-date equipment for dye- ing and cleaning. The number of employees now averages one hundred people.
G. Earl Smith was born February 22, 1883, in Wilkes-Barre. He married Ruth Wilder- muth, and has two children.
JEROME MEYER-Wilkes-Barre numbers among its leading citizens, Jerome Meyer, head of the firm of Jerome Meyer and Sons, wholesale and manufacturing jewelers, whose offices are at No. 15 Public Square, Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania. Mr. Meyer's firm is one of the leading jewelry houses in Northeast- ern Pennsylvania.
It is the only firm in Northeastern Pennsyl- vania who are members of the Amsterdam and Antwerp Diamond Exchange. Once a year a member of the firm goes abroad to buy their stock of diamonds for the Wilkes- Barre trade. The reputation of the house is that of a highly reputable firm, with goods that are the best in quality. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Republican.
Jerome Meyer married Minnie Davis, of New York City, and they are the parents of three children: Nat, of whom further; Har- old, of whom further; and Elsle.
Nat Meyer, the eldest son, was born April 26, 1890, in Wilkes-Barre. He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1907, and has been a member of the jewelry firm of Jerome Meyer and Sons since 1910. He is a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons; holds the thirty-second degree in Keystone Consistory of Scranton, Pennsylvania; and a member of Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Irem Temple Country Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He is a director of Wilkes-Barre- Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. In politics Mr. Meyer is a Republican. Nat Meyer married Gertrude Claster, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and they are the par- ents of three sons: Alfred, Theodore, and Gilbert Sidney.
Harold Meyer, the younger son of Jerome and Minnie (Davis) Meyer, was born in Wilkes-Barre, February 17, 1892, and gradu- ated from the high school with the class of of 1909. He went to Philadelphia and spent two years there learning the watch and jew- elry trade. Upon his return to Wilkes-Barre he became a member of his father's firm in 1911. Harold Meyer is a Republican and a member of Landmark Lodge, No. 442, Free and Accepted Masons; Keystone Consistory, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, thirty-second de- gree; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Irem Temple Country Club; Junior Order United American
U.S.
Mroughmone
473
Mechanics and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Meyer is also vice-president of the Wilkes- Barre Baseball Club. Harold Meyer married Ida Claster, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two children, Marjorie Toby and Phillis Ruth.
The firm of Jerome Meyer and Sons own their own building, and in the past two years they have acquired considerable business properties in the central section of Wilkes- Barre.
R. JAY FLICK-Whether as a leader in local journalism and its county-wide influ- ences, or as an industrialist whose activities have long been associated with the broaden- ing of the plans and purposes of a score of public utilities in Wilkes-Barre and the State in general, R. Jay Flick is a distinguished personality and factor in the organization of industrial institutions and whatsoever has to do with the promotion of public welfare. As the presiding executive of many light and power concerns in this section of the State, he is everywhere known and highly regarded in the business world.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.